9 Tips To Lower Creatinine Levels Naturally

Creatine is a supplement very well known for gym freaks. Creatine is actually a substance that is found in the human body's muscle cells naturally. This substance is helpful in high-intensity or high-energy activities like weightlifting, exercises that are highly intensive. Athletes, bodybuilders, and others as such are the main users of creatine supplements for muscle gaining, improving strength, improving the performances of exercises, etc. This creatine also plays an important role in enhancing various cellular processes like muscle mass, recovery, and strength.

But the breakdown of this creatine results in a waste product called creatinine. The increased creatinine levels result in kidney diseases. The use of muscles creates creatinine. Excessive intake of proteins may also produce this organic compound but in small portions. With that said let’s get a better understanding of what these creatinine levels are and how to lower creatinine levels naturally.

What Are Creatinine Levels?

Creatinine levels are the amount of creatinine present in your blood. This value gives an idea to your doctor to understand and analyze how healthy your kidney is functioning. Having High levels of creatinine is the risk factor.

The following are some cases where you can have high Creatinine levels;

• If you have done some strenuous exercises
• If you're under medications like trimethoprim, chemotherapy drugs, etc;
• Pregnant people may also have temporary spikes
• If you've had meals rich in red meat.

Creatinine levels depend on age, gender, BMI, etc. Creatinine levels in urine are also noted and compared with the blood level values.

High Creatinine Levels

Babies - Greater than or equal to 2.0

Adults - Greater than or equal to 5.0

Normal Levels Of Creatinine

Creatinine levels are not the same for everyone. Individuals with 1 kidney showing 1.8 or 1.9 is a normal creatinine level. Whereas for others the levels are;

Male - 0.6 to 1.2mg/dL

Female - 0.5 to 1.1mg/dL

Causes Of High Creatinine Levels

As already mentioned above in this article, high creatinine levels are due to some problems in the kidneys.

Various causes that may possibly be the reason for high creatinine levels include but are not limited to;

• Infection in the kidneys
• Kidney structures inflammation, glomerulonephritis
• If the urinary tract is blocked by the kidney stones
• Failure of the kidney functioning.
• Apart from the kidneys, some other factors that can raise creatinine levels temporarily are dehydration, high protein intake, highly intensive exercises, etc.

Symptoms Of High Creatinine Levels

Symptoms of high creatinine levels depend on the underlying condition that’s causing the problem.

Drug Toxicity

Some medications used for other health problems can cause damage to the kidneys and thus affect their functioning. Symptoms in this case are;

• Retention of fluids
• Weakness or fatigue
• Confused thinking
• Breathing shortness
• Nausea
• Heartbeat irregularity
• pain in the chest

Pyelonephritis, Infection In The Kidneys

If an infection in the kidneys is left untreated then in extreme cases it leads to kidney failure. The symptoms observed are;

• Chills or fever
• Back, groin, or side ache
• Urine that’s cloudy, bloody, dark, or with a foul smell
• Urinating frequently involving pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Glomerulonephritis

This condition leads to kidney failure with symptoms like;

• High BP
• Urinating with blood or protein
• High protein levels leading to foamy or bubbly urine
• Ankles and face swelling

Diabetes

Diabetes can also affect kidney functioning with symptoms as;

• A rise in thirst and appetite
• Frequently urinating
• Fatigue
• Blur vision
• Slowed wound healing
• Hands and feet sensing numbness or tingling

High BP

Individuals with high blood pressure may not observe any symptoms and high creatinine levels are observed only by a doctor during any regular health screening.

Heart Diseases

Conditions that cause heart problems also have an impact on the kidneys and the symptoms are;

• Pain in the chest
• Breathing shortness
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Heartbeat irregularity
• Legs and feet swelling

Urinary Tract Blockage

If the kidney stones or enlarged prostate or tumors block the urinary tract, leads to kidney failure with symptoms listed below;

• Back or side ache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Urination with frequent pain and blood
• Fever

Kidney Failure

In this case, the symptoms can be quick or develop over time. You should keep a watch for these symptoms;

• Feet and ankles swelling
• Urinating overly or too little
• Difficulty in breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartbeat irregularity
• Weakness
• Confused thinking

In the case of chronic kidney failure, the symptoms are;

• Sleeping difficulty
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps

How To Lower Creatinine Levels Naturally?

Following the below ways is the answer to your question on How to lower creatinine levels naturally;

• Avoid creatine supplements.
• Decrease protein intake
• Have fiber-rich food like fruits, legumes, vegetables, whole grains, etc
• Work on your fluid intake
• Decrease salt intake
• Highly avoid NSAIDs
• Stay away from smoking
• Limit your alcohol consumption as much as possible. Avoiding completely would be best.
• Include fruits to reduce creatinine levels and plan your diet with foods to lower creatinine